MARK YOUR CALENDAR! We are psyched to invite you to our annual Save Our Springs Holiday Party, happening Friday, December 6th, from 6 to 11 PM at the historic American Legion Charles Johnson House (404 Atlanta Street).
This event is more than a party—it’s a gathering of everyone who shares a love for Austin’s waters, parks, and communities. Last year, we had so much fun together, and we can’t wait to do it all again!
 Live Austin Music: Dance to the tunes of legendary local musicians.
 Delicious Tamales: Enjoy handmade tamales while catching up with friends.
 Face Painting for Kids: Fun for all ages!
 Silent Auction: Bid on local art, unique experiences, and more.
 Special Presentation: Hear the latest updates on SOS’s work, including highlights from this year and what’s next for Central Texas water, democracy, and parks.

Oppose the Water Management Plans this Thursday!Speak up against the upcoming water management plans that will ultimately shape our water future at the City Council meeting this Thursday, November 21, at 10:00 AM. Oppose Items 3 and 4 to adopt the updated 100-Year Water Forward Plan and Water Conservation Plan, which include significant changes that concern utility customers like you! 
Three Reasons to Oppose the Plans:

1. RISING UTILITY BILLS
The Water Forward Plan proposes costly infrastructure projects, such as Aquifer Storage and Recovery and an additional water treatment plant, which will likely result in significant utility rate hikes for Austin Water customers (YOU!).

2. WEAK CONSERVATION STRATEGIES
The plans underestimate the potential of traditional and cost-effective water conservation approaches, such as robust public awareness and education programs, that have successfully achieved substantial water savings in Austin’s past. 

3. LACK OF TRANSPARENCY
The process of updating these plans has lacked sufficient clarity in justifying these large-scale projects. Additionally, there has been inadequate data explaining why customer engagement in rebate and incentive programs has been so severely low. 

Join us to hold Austin Water accountable and ensure that water management strategies reflect our community's needs. Let’s make our voices heard for a water future that prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and accountability. Contact Tanzia at [email protected] if you have any questions or need assistance! 

WHEN: Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM
WHERE: Austin City Hall, 301 W. 2nd St.
WHAT: Oppose Items 3 and 4
WHO: Austin Water
HOW: Sign up HERE to speak remotely or in person 

Toll Agency Kicks Off Mopac South Public Input Charade​

Last Tuesday at the Austin High School Cafeteria our local toll road agency, the CTRMA, released their updated proposal to add 2 toll lanes each way on Mopac, from Cesar Chavez to Slaughter Lane.  The event kicked off an initial public comment period that runs through December 29th.  

While they sought to sugar coat the whole thing, a close look at the diagrams showed they are really proposing to add 6 to 7 new lanes of pavement on Mopac, not 4 lanes (2 each way).  This image shows what's proposed for the bridge over Lady Bird Lake--expanding from the 7 lanes that currently exist on the Lady Bird Lake bridge to a 13 lane bridge.  Every inch of the bridge right of way over the lake, through Zilker Park, and on top of Austin High School would be paved.  

The CTRMA dishonesty is further illustrated by their refusal to use the word "toll."  They are now "express" lanes, not toll lanes.  While pretending to "respond to public input," they are actually going in the opposite direction -- make the project bigger, more costly, and more environmentally damaging.  

Mark your calendar to attend a December 9th 5:30 p.m. community-hosted meeting on the proposed project, also set for the Austin High cafeteria.  That's the time to learn the important details, ask questions, hear from SOS and other community groups, and also hear the concerns of Austin ISD leaders and opposition of the Travis County Commissioners Court.  The project was shelved in 2015 after a community show of force against it.  We can force it back into hiding again if enough people stand up against this monstrosity.  

Together we can Keep Mopac Local -- for local commuters-- and not convert it into a western Interstate 35 with interregional and interstate car and truck traffic.  

State tuned and see us on December 9th at Austin High at 5:30.  

Location Correction on Mopac South Open HouseThe updated location of the Open House for the resurrected proposal to expand Mopac South is the Austin High School Cafeteria (1715 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78703), November 12th at 5pm - PLEASE ATTEND. We need a strong turnout to show unified opposition to the CTRMA's proposal to add 4 more lanes to Mopac within 1,200 feet of Barton Springs. We are joining Travis County's call for the CTRMA to complete a full Environmental Impact Statement, as required by federal law, before proceeding with the project. This Open House kicks off a public comment period on the Mopac South expansion plan that runs through December 29th.  We killed this terrible project in 2015 and with your help we can do it again. Stay tuned for the re-launch of KeepMopacLocal.org, which will have updates and action alerts. 

Austin Council Drops Latest Attack on Citizen Initiative and Recall Petition Rights; Approves South Congress SkyscraperYesterday the Austin City Council withdrew its proposed ordinance erecting delays and roadblocks to citizen initiative and recall petition rights under the Austin City Charter.  The action came after SOS attorneys told the council the ordinance violated the Austin City Charter and state law.  It's not clear if this latest City Council attack on Austin's already very limited rights of direct democracy will come back at a later date.  
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The City Council also gave final approval for a 480 foot skyscraper to be built with zero setback from the South Congress sidewalk, just south of the world famous bat bridge. The approved tower would block and disrupt views along Congress on both sides of the river.  The 0.8 acre tract, located where the current Firestone tire shop sits, is allowed 95% impervious cover and with no on site park or heat island protection requirements.   But hey, Mayor Watson and the city council members will tell you how much they care about protecting our lake and climate with good planning. 

Get ready for a much needed uplifting holiday party in Austin, hosted by Save Our Springs Alliance! Save the Date for Friday, December 6th, from 6 to 11 pm, at the historic American Legion Charles Johnson House (404 Atlanta Street).

This year, we're celebrating all things local, featuring delicious homemade tamales, incredible music from legendary Austin musicians, and the company of the most interesting folks from our beloved city. Plus, we're gearing up for our best silent auction and food drive. 

Event Highlights:
*Locally Sourced: Connect with the most interesting folks from our beloved city and celebrate the spirit of community at our Silent Auction filled with local art and unique gifts and services from your favorite Austin businesses
*Delicious Food: Indulge in a feast of delicious homemade tamales, showcasing the best flavors Austin has to offer.
*Legendary Music: Immerse yourself in the sounds of Austin with live performances by renowned local musicians.
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